By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
  • Health
    • Mental Health
  • Policy and Law
    • Global Healthcare
    • Medical Ethics
  • Medical Innovations
  • News
  • Wellness
  • Tech
Search
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Reading: More Confirmation Stents Overused
Share
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
Health Works CollectiveHealth Works Collective
Font ResizerAa
Search
Follow US
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
© 2023 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Health Works Collective > Specialties > Cardiology > More Confirmation Stents Overused
CardiologyMedical Devices

More Confirmation Stents Overused

gooznews
gooznews
Share
3 Min Read
SHARE

Another day, another study showing that invasive cardiologists overuse angioplasty and insert unneeded stents in patients without acute symptoms of coronary artery disease. The latest study, which appeared in today’s Journal of the American Medical Association, deemed 15 percent of the 600,000 angioplasties done every year are either inappropriate or their necessity is uncertain.

Another day, another study showing that invasive cardiologists overuse angioplasty and insert unneeded stents in patients without acute symptoms of coronary artery disease. The latest study, which appeared in today’s Journal of the American Medical Association, deemed 15 percent of the 600,000 angioplasties done every year are either inappropriate or their necessity is uncertain.

Since the COURAGE trial results were released in 2007, cardiologists have known that drug intervention (primarily statins) works just as well or better than angioplasty in patients with stable coronary artery disease (cost: $1,000 a year or less if generics are used compared to $20,000 for the stent operation). A study that came out two months ago showed there had been no change in cariology practice in the wake of the COURAGE trial. This latest study confirms that invasive cardiology is largely an evidence-free zone where the self-interest of the surgeons and the hospitals trumps the needs of patients, who have no clue as to what’s going on. “Thank God the doctor did that operation. I could have died tomorrow.”

Dr. Mark Midei, the Maryland cardiologist once feted by Medtronic with a pig roast for inserting 30 stents in a single day, remains the poster child for invasive cardiology overutilization. His story was the subect of a Congressional investigation, and is repeated in today’s Wall Street Journal (subscription required). 

More Read

Story About UVA Essential Tremor Trial Airing on TV Stations Around the US
Now Your iPhone Can Take Your Pulse
Coronary Stents Show Clinical and Economic Staying Power
Top 4 Traits Every Healthcare Provider Should Have
Doctors Reattach Leg Backwards On Purpose-Reconstructive Surgery for Cancer

What’s the solution? I presume the American Heart Association or American College of Cardiology guidelines recommend medical therapy before angioplasty in patients with stable coronary artery disease (no one questions the use of angioplasty in the 70 percent of patients who present at their physicians or at the emergency room with acute symptoms — anywhere from a heart attack to extremely labored breathing — from coronary blockages). Insurers, including Medicare, could create post-operative review boards to review medical charts and apply these guidelines before making payments. Obviously some cases will be borderline. For those cases, insurers could create an appeals process. In clearcut cases of overutilization, no one gets paid by insurance. Let them try to collect from the patients. When word of that gets out, you’ll see a lot more questions being asked in the emergency room before walk-ins agree to get whisked off to the cath lab.

Call it rationing if you’d like. I prefer to call it the application of scientific medicine to payment policy. Anybody got a better idea?

TAGGED:cardiac stentscardiologymedical technology
Share This Article
Facebook Copy Link Print
Share

Stay Connected

1.5kFollowersLike
4.5kFollowersFollow
2.8kFollowersPin
136kSubscribersSubscribe

Latest News

a woman walking on the hallway
6 Easy Healthcare Ways to Sit Less and Move More Every Day
Health
September 9, 2025
Clinical Expertise
Healthcare at a Crossroads: Why Leadership Matters More Than Ever
Global Healthcare
September 9, 2025
travel nurse in north carolina
Balancing Speed and Scope: Choosing the Nursing Degree That Fits Your Goals
Nursing
September 1, 2025
intimacy
How to Keep Intimacy Comfortable as You Age
Relationship and Lifestyle Senior Care
September 1, 2025

You Might also Like

Image
Medical DevicesTechnology

Spine Surgery Map

September 6, 2011

A Victory for Coverage with Evidence Development

September 8, 2011

Dr. Watson Crunches Complex EMR Data at Cleveland Clinic [VIDEO]

October 23, 2013

Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Patient Registry (SMISS)

October 21, 2011
Subscribe
Subscribe to our newsletter to get our newest articles instantly!
Follow US
© 2008-2025 HealthWorks Collective. All Rights Reserved.
  • About
  • Contact
  • Privacy
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?